Mozambique Suffers Deadly Violence After Election Court Ruling Confirming Frelimo Victory

Following a disputed election result, violence erupted in Mozambique, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including police officers. The unrest was primarily driven by supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane after the court confirmed Daniel Chapo’s victory. Protests turned into looting and vandalism, with significant damage reported across major cities. The situation remains tense, with calls for further action from opposition leaders.

On Tuesday, Mozambique’s Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, announced that at least 21 fatalities occurred due to a surge of violence following a court decision affirming Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo as the victor of the contentious presidential election held on October 9. The unrest was predominantly instigated by the supporters of Venancio Mondlane, the runner-up, whose followers took to the streets, resulting in mass protests and widespread looting in major cities, including Maputo and Beira.

Ronda reported that the violence resulted in significant destruction, with hundreds of incidents reported in just 24 hours. Specifically, 236 violent acts were documented, leading to 21 deaths, which included two police officers, and injuries to 13 civilians as well as 12 officers. Notably, 25 vehicles, including police cars, were set ablaze, and several police facilities were attacked, freeing 86 inmates from a penitentiary.

In the wake of the ruling by the Constitutional Council, tensions had been palpable, and protests erupted almost immediately. Social media has been rife with images of protesters rioting and businesses being vandalized in the capital and surrounding regions. The protests have intensified with Mondlane calling for a nationwide shutdown starting Friday, indicating a potential for further escalation. The unrest has left the nation of 34 million on edge since the announcement of election results. The situation remains precarious, particularly in the capital as security forces clash with demonstrators, marking a grim continuation of the post-election violence that has claimed more than 150 lives since the elections concluded.

Mozambique has been embroiled in political tensions following the general elections on October 9, which concluded controversially. The Frelimo party, led by Daniel Chapo, claimed victory amidst disputed circumstances, with many claiming that the electoral process was unfair. Venancio Mondlane, the opposition candidate, gathered substantial support, especially among the youth, who have actively demonstrated against the ruling. The recent constitutional court ruling confirmed Chapo’s lead, further aggravating an already volatile situation, resulting in severe unrest throughout the country.

The ongoing violence in Mozambique following the electoral court ruling reflects deep-seated political unrest between the ruling Frelimo party and the opposition. The aftermath of the ruling has led to tragic loss of life and widespread destruction, emphasizing the need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further escalation. The situation remains critical as citizens call for reforms and accountability, underscoring the fragility of Mozambique’s political landscape post-election.

Original Source: apnews.com